Vinod
Patel, Senior Business Analyst at Alliance & Leicester in Narborough,
Leicestershire has been recognised by his colleagues for all his
volunteering and fund-raising efforts by being voted Alliance &
Leicesters Volunteer of the Year 2006. Last year,
Vinod helped to organise fundraising events which raised over £10,000,
and collected 200 blankets in response to the devastating impact
of the Tsunami and the severe Asian earthquake. He even used his
holiday to fly out to Sri Lanka and assist in the relief and rebuilding
efforts to help the lives of the thousands left injured and homeless.

In
addition, Vinod has worked tirelessly to raise thousands of pounds
for local charities including Rainbows Childrens Hospice and
LOROS. As well as fundraising, Vinod is actively involved in many
of the companys volunteering initiatives, including the Right
to Read scheme through which he has helped over 20 children improve
their reading at Rolleston Junior School over the last three years.

Richard
Pym, Group Chief Executive at Alliance & Leicester presented
Vinod with a trophy and a prize of £1,000, which he has chosen
to donate to The British Lung Foundation. Vinod Patel, Programme
Manager at Alliance & Leicester said: "I feel extremely
honoured to have been presented with this award and would like to
thank all my colleagues who have supported me. I look forward to
continuing raising funds throughout 2006, and beyond."

Richard
Pym, Group Chief Executive of Alliance & Leicester commented:
"An important part of Alliance & Leicesters commitment
to support the communities in which we operate is the work done
by our staff volunteers, who are prepared to put their own time
and effort into supporting good causes. Vinod is a great ambassador
for the Group, and we are very proud of his achievements."

Caroline
Johnson, British Lung Foundation, Support & Development Manager
, Midlands said: "We would like to thank Vinod for tireless
fundraising activities and for thinking of the British Lung Foundation.
One person in seven suffers with a lung condition and this money
will help fund vital research into over 40 different conditions".